Wireless communication apparatus and structure for mounting communication equipment

ABSTRACT

A mounting base ( 14 ) is fixed to an antenna ( 13 ) or an antenna bracket ( 15 ) for supporting the antenna ( 13 ). A baseband unit ( 11 ) and an RF unit ( 12 ) are fixed to the mounting base ( 14 ). The baseband unit ( 11 ) fixed to the mounting base ( 14 ) is disposed to face a back part ( 132 ) of the antenna ( 13 ) and to form a space between the back part ( 132 ) and the first enclosure ( 111 ). The RF unit ( 12 ) fixed to the mounting base ( 14 ) is disposed in the space formed between the back part ( 132 ) of the antenna ( 13 ) and the baseband unit ( 11 ) and is coupled to a waveguide flange ( 132 ) of the antenna ( 13 ). Thus, for example, in a configuration of a point-to-point wireless apparatus in which an RF unit and a baseband unit are separated, restrictions on installation space of the apparatus can be facilitated.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.17/132,586 entitled “WIRELESS COMMUNICATION APPARATUS AND STRUCTURE FORMOUNTING COMMUNICATION EQUIPMENT,” filed on Dec. 23, 2020, which is acontinuation application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/574,819,issued as U.S. Pat. No. 10,911,088, entitled “WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONAPPARATUS AND STRUCTURE FOR MOUNTING COMMUNICATION EQUIPMENT,” filed onSep. 18, 2019, which is a continuation application of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 16/122,587, issued as U.S. Pat. No. 10,454,512,entitled “WIRELESS COMMUNICATION APPARATUS AND STRUCTURE FOR MOUNTINGCOMMUNICATION EQUIPMENT,” filed on Sep. 5, 2018, which is a continuationapplication of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/115,031, issued asU.S. Pat. No. 10,097,226, entitled “WIRELESS COMMUNICATION APPARATUS ANDSTRUCTURE FOR MOUNTING COMMUNICATION EQUIPMENT,” filed on Jul. 28, 2016,which is filed under 35 U.S.C. § 371 as U.S. national stage applicationof International Application No. PCT/JP2015/000187 entitled “WIRELESSCOMMUNICATION APPARATUS AND STRUCTURE FOR MOUNTING COMMUNICATIONEQUIPMENT,” filed on Jan. 19, 2015, which claims the benefit of thepriority of Japanese Patent Application No. 2014-028298 filed on Feb.18, 2014, the disclosures of each of which are hereby incorporated byreference in their entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The disclosure of the specification relates to a structure for mountingcommunication equipment for a point-to-point wireless apparatus.

BACKGROUND ART

Point-to-point wireless systems using microwaves, millimeter waves orthe like are well known. In a point-to-point wireless system, twocommunication apparatuses perform digital communication via apoint-to-point wireless link. To be more specific, each of thecommunication apparatuses is equipped with a directional antenna inorder to communicate with a counterpart apparatus using a point-to-pointwireless technology and forms a directional beam toward the counterpartapparatus. In this way, a point-to-point wireless link is establishedbetween the two communication apparatuses. In the specification, each ofthe two communication apparatuses constituting the point-to-pointwireless system, i.e., a communication apparatus that communicates witha counterpart apparatus using the point-to-point wireless technology,will be referred to as a point-to-point wireless apparatus.

Compared to wired connections using optical fibers, point-to-point radiosystems have many advantages such as easy networking, low costs, andmitigation of conditions for an installation location of a base station.The point-to-point wireless systems are used, for example, in a mobilebackhaul. The mobile backhaul indicates communication lines that connectbase stations in a cellular communication system to a core network andcommunication lines that connect between the base stations.

Patent Literature 1 and 2 discloses point-to-point wireless apparatuses.The point-to-point wireless apparatus disclosed in Patent Literature 1includes an antenna and a front-end device (Outdoor Unit (ODU)) that areinstalled outdoors and a back-end device (Indoor Unit (IDU)) that isinstalled indoors. The front-end device (ODU) primarily performs analogsignal processing at the carrier frequency (radio frequency (RF) band)such as frequency up/down conversion and amplification. The back-enddevice (IDU) primarily performs baseband digital signal processing suchas channel coding/decoding, interleaving/deinterleaving, andmodulation/demodulation. The front-end device may be referred to as anRF unit. The back-end device may be referred to as a baseband unit.

On the other hand, the point-to-point wireless apparatus disclosed inPatent Literature 2 has a structure in which electronic equipment forperforming point-to-point wireless communication with a counterpartapparatus is accommodated in one enclosure that can be installedoutdoors. To be more specific, the point-to-point wireless apparatusdisclosed in Patent Literature 2 has a structure in which a front-endelectronic circuit module and a back-end electronic circuit module areaccommodated in one enclosure. The front-end electronic circuit moduleincludes circuits that perform analog signal processing at the RF band(e.g., frequency conversion and signal amplification). The back-endelectronic circuit module includes circuits that perform basebanddigital signal processing (e.g., channel coding andmodulation/demodulation). The front-end electronic circuit module may bereferred to as an RF circuit. The back-end electronic circuit module maybe referred to as a baseband circuit.

CITATION LIST Patent Literature

-   Patent Literature 1: International Patent Publication No.    WO2011/162281-   Patent Literature 2: International Patent Publication No.    WO2013/118473

SUMMARY OF INVENTION Technical Problem

The point-to-point wireless apparatus having an integrated (all-in-one)configuration disclosed in Patent Literature 2 has a benefit in thatwiring to connect an RF unit to a baseband unit that are separatelydisposed are unnecessary. However, the point-to-point wireless apparatushaving an integrated configuration may be inconvenient in some otherpoints.

For example, the front-end electronic circuit module (i.e., the RFcircuit) needs different circuit elements (e.g., an amplifier) anddifferent waveguide shapes depending on, for example, an operatingcarrier frequency and transmission power. On the other hand, theback-end electronic circuit module (i.e., the baseband circuit) can bethe same regardless of a carrier frequency and transmission power. Thus,with a separate configuration in which the RF unit and the baseband unitare independent from each other, a carrier frequency and transmissionpower can be easily changed by replacing only the RF unit and notreplacing the baseband unit. In addition, with the separateconfiguration, as it is easy to upgrade hardware of the RF unit or thebaseband unit, this is considered to contribute to reduction in capitalexpenditure. Further, when the point-to-point wireless apparatus fails,only the RF unit or only the baseband unit can be replaced, and thus itis expected that operating expenditure will be reduced.

On the other hand, in another viewpoint, the separate configuration maybe disadvantageous as compared to the integrated configuration. Forexample, it may be difficult to ensure spaces in which both the RF unitand the baseband unit will be installed. Further, with the separateconfiguration, a length of an intermediate frequency (IF) cable forconnecting between the RF unit and the baseband unit may be greater thanthat in the integrated configuration. A long cable length may not bepreferable in terms of a failure rate.

In view of the above, one of objects accomplished by embodimentsdisclosed in the specification is to provide a communication-equipmentmounting structure for mounting a point-to-point wireless apparatus thatcan contribute to reduction in the above disadvantages of the separateconfiguration. It should be noted that this object is only one of theobjects accomplished by the embodiments disclosed in the specification.Other objects or problems and novel features will be made apparent fromthe specification and the accompanying drawings.

Solution to Problem

In an aspect, a mounting structure includes a mounting base, a basebandunit, and an RF unit. The baseband unit includes a first enclosureadapted to accommodate a first electronic circuit module for performingbaseband digital signal processing and to protect the first electroniccircuit module from ingress of water and dust when installed outdoors.The RF unit includes a second enclosure adapted to accommodate a secondelectronic circuit module for performing analog signal processing at acarrier frequency and to protect the second electronic circuit modulefrom ingress of water and dust when installed outdoors. The mountingbase is adapted to be fixed to an antenna for communicating with acounterpart apparatus using a point-to-point wireless technology orfixed to an antenna bracket that is mounted to a structure forsupporting the antenna. The antenna includes a front part arranged toradiate an electric field and a back part positioned opposite to thefront part and equipped with a waveguide flange that is coupled to awaveguide of the RF unit. The baseband unit is adapted to be supportedby the mounting base when the first enclosure is fixed to the mountingbase. The baseband unit supported by the mounting base is disposed toface the back part and to form a space between the back part and thefirst enclosure. The RF unit is adapted to be supported by the mountingbase when the second enclosure is fixed to the mounting base. The RFunit supported by the mounting base is disposed in the space and coupledto the waveguide flange.

Advantageous Effects of Invention

According to the above aspect, it is possible to provide acommunication-equipment mounting structure for mounting a point-to-pointwireless apparatus that can contribute to reduction in disadvantages ofthe separate configuration. It should be noted that this effect ismerely one of effects expected to be accomplished by the embodimentsdisclosed in the specification.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of apoint-to-point wireless apparatus according to a first embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a drawing showing an external structure example and aninstallation example of the point-to-point wireless apparatus accordingto the first embodiment;

FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the point-to-point wireless apparatusaccording to the first embodiment;

FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the point-to-point wireless apparatusaccording to the first embodiment;

FIG. 5 is an exploded side view of the point-to-point wireless apparatusaccording to the first embodiment;

FIG. 6 is a side view of the point-to-point wireless apparatus accordingto the first embodiment;

FIG. 7 is a side view of the point-to-point wireless apparatus accordingto the first embodiment;

FIG. 8 is a projection view showing a front surface, a right surface, arear surface, and a top surface of a point-to-point wireless apparatusaccording to a second embodiment;

FIG. 9 is a projection view showing a front surface, a right surface, arear surface, and a top surface of the point-to-point wireless apparatusaccording to the second embodiment;

FIG. 10 is a drawing showing a surface of a baseband unit (the rearsurface) having a recessed region according to the second embodiment;and

FIG. 11 is an exploded side view of the point-to-point wirelessapparatus according to the second embodiment.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Hereinafter, specific embodiments will be described in detail withreference to the drawings. The same or corresponding elements aredenoted by the same reference signs throughout the drawings, and theirrepeated explanations will be omitted for the sake of clarity.

First Embodiment

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of apoint-to-point wireless apparatus 1 according to this embodiment. Thepoint-to-point wireless apparatus 1 employs the separate configuration.That is, the point-to-point wireless apparatus 1 includes a basebandunit 11 and an RF unit 12 that can both be installed outdoors. As shownin FIG. 1, the baseband unit 11 includes a baseband processor 1111adapted to perform baseband digital signal processing. The baseband unit11 may include other electronic circuit modules including, for example,a DA converter (DAC) 1112, an AD Converter (ADC) 1113, and a controller1114.

In a transmission process, the baseband processor 1111 performs channelcoding (e.g., Forward Error Correction (FEC) encoding) on transmissiondata, maps the coded data sequence to transmission symbols, limits theband of the transmission symbol sequence using a low-pass filter, andthus generates a transmission baseband signal. The DA converter 1112converts the digital transmission baseband signal into an analog signal.

In a reception process, the AD converter 1113 converts the received IFsignal to a digital signal. The baseband processor 1111 performsdemodulation processing in the digital domain. That is, the basebandprocessor 1111 multiplies the digital received IF signal with a digitalsinusoidal signal, performs a low-pass filtering process, and thusgenerates a quadrature baseband signal. The baseband processor 1111performs symbol decision (symbol demapping) on the quadrature basebandsignal and generates a received data sequence. Further, the basebandprocessor 1111 performs error correction on the received data sequenceaccording in accordance with the channel coding scheme (e.g., FEC) thathas been performed by the counterpart apparatus.

The controller 1114 performs overall control of the point-to-pointwireless apparatus 1. For example, the controller 1114 adaptivelyadjusts a modulation scheme and a coding rate used in the basebandprocessor 1111 based on communication quality of the point-to-pointwireless link.

The baseband unit 11 further includes an enclosure 111. The enclosure111 accommodates electronic circuit modules of the baseband unit 11(i.e., the baseband processor 1111, the DA converter 1112, the ADconverter 1113, and the like) therein and protects the electroniccircuit modules from ingress of water and dust when installed outdoors.The degree of protection from water and dust ingress of the enclosure111 may be equivalent to the degree of IP66 according to IEC 60529defined by International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC).

The RF unit 12 includes, as shown in FIG. 1, a TX-RF 1211 and a RX-RF1212 that are adapted to perform analog signal processing at a carrierfrequency. The TX-RF 1211 generate a modulated signal by mixings ananalog transmission baseband signal supplied from the DA converter 1112with a local oscillator signal, up-converts the modulated signal to acarrier frequency (i.e., radio frequency (RF)), amplifies the RF signal,and transmits it to an antenna 13. The RX-RF 1212 amplifies a receivedRF signal received by the antenna 13 with a Low Noise Amplifier (LNA)and down-converts the received RF signal to an intermediate frequency(IF) band.

FIG. 1 shows an example in which bidirectional communication isperformed by Frequency Division Duplex (FDD), and, accordingly, aduplexer 1213 is used in the RF unit 12 in order to separate atransmission frequency band from a reception frequency band. Instead,the point-to-point wireless apparatus 1 may perform bidirectionalcommunication by Time Division Duplex (TDD). In the case of TDD, ahigh-frequency switch may be used in place of the duplexer 1213 toswitch between transmission and reception.

The RF unit 12 further includes an enclosure 121. The enclosure 121accommodates electronic circuit modules of the RF unit 12 (i.e., theTX-RF 1211, the RX-RF 1212, and the like) therein and protects theelectronic circuit modules from ingress of water and dust when installedoutdoors. The degree of protection from water and dust ingress of theenclosure 121 may be equivalent to the degree of IP66 according to IEC60529 defined by International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC).

Hereinafter, an external structure example and an installation exampleof the point-to-point wireless apparatus 1 are described with referenceto FIGS. 2 to 6. FIG. 2 shows an external structure example and aninstallation example of the point-to-point wireless apparatus 1. FIGS. 3and 4 provide exploded views of the point-to-point wireless apparatus 1.FIGS. 5 and 6 provide exploded side views of the point-to-point wirelessapparatus 1.

In the example shown in FIGS. 2 to 6, the baseband unit 11 includesreceptacles 112 and 113, heat-dissipation fins 114, and a grip (ahandle) 117. The receptacles 112 and 113 are disposed on a bottomsurface 111D of the enclosure 111. The heat-dissipation fins 114 aredisposed on a front surface 111A of the enclosure 111. The grip 117 isdisposed on a top surface 111C of the enclosure 111 and used to grip theenclosure 111. The receptacle 112 is connected with a communicationcable for connecting the baseband unit 11 to an external apparatus(e.g., a base station apparatus, a router, or a layer-2 switch). Thereceptacle 113 is connected with a communication cable (an IF cable) forconnecting the baseband unit 11 to the RF unit 12. The receptacle 112may also be used to supply power to the baseband unit 11. The powersupply may be performed by, for example, Power over Ethernet (PoE).

In the example shown in FIGS. 2 to 6, the enclosure 121 of the RF unit12 is equipped with a receptacle 122 and a waveguide flange 123. Thereceptacle 122 is connected with a communication cable (an IF cable) forconnecting the baseband unit 11 to the RF unit 12. The waveguide flange123 is coupled to a waveguide flange 133 of the antenna 13 for electricfield emission.

In the example shown in FIGS. 2 to 6, the antenna 13 includes a frontpart 131 arranged to radiate an electric field and a back part 132. Thefront part 131 includes a surface arranged to radiate an electric fieldtoward a counterpart apparatus in point-to-point communication. The backpart 132 is positioned opposite to the front part 131 and is equippedwith the waveguide flange 133. The waveguide flange 133 is coupled tothe waveguide of the RF unit 12 (i.e., the waveguide flange 123). Theantenna 13 is supported by an antenna bracket 15. The antenna bracket 15is mounted on a structure 50 (e.g., a lamppost, a building wall surface,or an antenna tower).

In the example shown in FIGS. 2 to 6, a mounting base 14 is used tomount the baseband unit 11 and the RF unit 12 on the antenna 13 or theantenna bracket 15. The mounting base 14 is fixed to the antenna 13 orthe antenna bracket 15. In the example shown in FIGS. 2 to 6, themounting base 14 is fixed to the back part 132 of the antenna 13.

The baseband unit 11 is adapted to be supported by the mounting base 14when the enclosure 111 of the baseband unit 11 is fixed to the mountingbase 14. Likewise, the RF unit 12 is adapted to be supported by themounting base 14 when the enclosure 121 of the RF unit 12 is fixed tothe mounting base 14. The baseband unit 11 supported by the mountingbase 14 is disposed to face the back part 132 of the antenna 13 and toform a space between the back part 132 and the enclosure 111 (i.e., thebaseband unit 11). The RF unit 12 supported by the mounting base 14 isdisposed in the space between the back part 132 and the enclosure 111(i.e., the baseband unit 11). Further, the RF unit 12 supported by themounting base 14 is coupled to the waveguide flange 133 of the antenna13 via its waveguide flange 123.

In the structure example shown in FIGS. 2 to 6, the mounting base 14includes a mounting plate 141, an upper stay member 142, and a lowerstay member 143 in order to form the space in which the RF unit 12 isdisposed. The mounting plate 141 has a planar surface on which the RFunit 12 is disposed and an opening 144 on its surface. The opening 144is used to couple the waveguide flange 133 of the antenna 13 to thewaveguide flange 123 of the RF unit 12 through the mounting plate 141interposed therebetween. The upper stay member 142 and the lower staymember 143 rise from the mounting plate 141 and are used to support thebaseband unit 11.

As has been understood from the above descriptions, the point-to-pointwireless apparatus 1 employs the separate configuration, and thebaseband unit 11 and the RF unit 12 have the separate enclosures 111 and112, respectively. However, if the baseband unit 11 and the RF unit 12are separately arranged, one or both of the problems regarding theinstallation space and the IF-cable length, which have already beendescribed, may occur. Accordingly, in this embodiment, as shown in FIGS.2 to 6, both the baseband unit 11 and the RF unit 12 are disposedadjacent to the back part 132 of the antenna 13. It is thus possible toreduce the disadvantages of the separate configuration (i.e., theproblem regarding the installation space or the problem regarding the IFcable length).

Hereinafter, further improvements incorporated into this embodiment aredescribed. In one improvement, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, a recessedregion 115 may be formed in a central part of the rear surface 111B ofthe enclosure 111 of the baseband unit 11. The rear surface 111B ispositioned opposite to the front surface 111A and faces the back part132 of the antenna 13 when the enclosure 111 is supported by themounting base. The recessed region 115 is recessed inwardly of theenclosure 111. As shown in FIG. 6 (the side view), at least a part ofthe enclosure 121 of the RF unit 12 may be disposed in the recessedregion 115, in a side view of the enclosure 111, when the baseband unit11 and the RF unit 12 are supported by the mounting base 14.

In the separate configuration, it is necessary to accommodate thebaseband unit 11 and the RF unit 12 in the separate enclosures 111 and121, respectively. Accordingly, in most cases, the entire volume and theentire installation space of the point-to-point wireless apparatus 1having the separate configuration may be greater than those of theintegrated configuration. However, the structure shown in FIGS. 5 and 6,in which at least a part of the enclosure 121 is disposed in therecessed region 115 in a side view, can reduce a thickness of theapparatus (i.e., a protrusion from the back part 132 of the antenna 13)when the baseband unit 11 and the RF unit 12 are installed, and therebyreducing a volume of the point-to-point wireless apparatus 1 when it isinstalled.

In another improvement, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 5, the baseband unit 11may be equipped with the grip (the handle) 117. The grip 117 allows easyand secure removal of the baseband unit 11 when the RF unit 12 isreplaced, which is necessary in the case of changing a carrier frequencyor transmission power of the RF unit 12. The point-to-point wirelessapparatus 1 is in most cases installed on a tall antenna tower, and,accordingly, safe and easy exchange of the RF unit 12 is extremelyimportant in maintenance operations at such a high place. In particular,since the size and weight of the baseband unit 11 are greater than thoseof the RF unit 12, the grip 117 provided on the baseband unit 11 cancontribute to reduction of the disadvantages of the separateconfiguration.

In the above improvement, the RF unit 12 supported by the mounting base14 may be adapted to be selectively disposed in a first orientationshown in FIG. 6 or in a second orientation shown in FIG. 7. The secondorientation shown in FIG. 7 is an orientation rotated 90 degrees fromthe first orientation about a rotation axis R passing through thewaveguide flanges 123 and 133. The plane of polarization of an electricfield wave (linearly polarized wave) radiated from the antenna 13 can beeasily inclined by changing the orientation of the RF unit 12 from thefirst orientation to the second orientation. For example, the firstorientation corresponds to vertical polarization, while the secondorientation corresponds to horizontal polarization. The recessed region115 of the baseband unit 11 may have a shape configured to not interferewith the enclosure 121 of the RF unit 12 when the RF unit 12 is eitherin the first orientation (FIG. 6) or in the second orientation (FIG. 7).In this way, the orientation of the RF unit 12 disposed in the spacebetween the baseband unit 11 and the antenna 13 can be physicallyrotated while the orientation of the baseband unit 11 is fixed, and thuspolarization of the point-to-point wireless apparatus 1 can be easilychanged.

In the above improvement, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, at least one of thereceptacles 112 and 113 may be disposed on the bottom surface 111D ofthe enclosure 111. The rear surface 111B of the enclosure 111 includes aregion 116 that is positioned around the recessed region 115. In theside views of the enclosure 111 shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, a thickness (D2)between the region 116 and the front surface 111A is greater than athickness (D1) between the recessed region 115 and the front surface111A. Therefore, disposing the receptacle 112 or the receptacle 113 orboth on the bottom surface 111D, which is continuous with thesurrounding region 116, contributes to allowing an increase in the depthof the recessed region 115. This is because the thickness (D1) of theenclosure 111 in the recessed region 116 can be reduced regardless ofthe shape of the receptacle 112 or the shape of the receptacle 113 orboth.

Second Embodiment

In this embodiment, a modified example of the external structure of thepoint-to-point wireless apparatus 1 is described with reference to FIGS.8 to 11. The devices, elements, and members shown in FIGS. 8 to 11 aredenoted by the same reference signs as the corresponding devices,elements, and members shown in FIGS. 1 to 7 for easy comparison. FIGS. 8and 9 are projection views showing a front view (A), a right view (B), arear view (C), and a top view (D) of the point-to-point wirelessapparatus 1. FIG. 8 omits the antenna 13, and only illustratespositional relationship among the baseband unit 11, the RF unit 12, andthe mounting base 14 when the point-to-point wireless apparatus 1 isinstalled. Further, the mounting base 14 and the grip 117 illustrated inFIG. 8 are omitted in FIG. 9, and FIG. 9 only illustrates positionalrelationship between the baseband unit 11 and the RF unit 12. FIG. 10 isa rear view of the baseband unit 11 and illustrates a detailed structureof the rear surface 111B of the enclosure 111. FIG. 11 is an explodedside view of the baseband unit 11, the RF unit 12, and the mounting base14.

Basic features of the structure example shown in FIGS. 8 to 11 are thesame as those of the structure example shown in FIGS. 2 to 7. That is,the RF unit 12 is disposed in the space formed when the baseband unit 11is mounted on the mounting base 14 (i.e., the space between the rearsurface 111B of the enclosure 111 and the mounting plate 141). That is,both the baseband unit 11 and the RF unit 12 are disposed adjacent tothe back part 132 of the antenna 13. It is thus possible to reduce thedisadvantages of the separate configuration (i.e., the problem regardingthe installation space or the problem regarding the IF cable length).

Further, as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the rear surface 111B of theenclosure 111 may include the recessed region 115. As shown in FIGS. 9and 11, at least a part of the enclosure 121 of the RF unit 12 may bedisposed in the recessed region 115, in a side view of the enclosure111, when the baseband unit 11 and the RF unit 12 are supported by themounting base 14. It is thus possible to reduce the thickness of theapparatus when the baseband unit 11 and the RF unit 12 are installed,and thus also reduce the volume of the point-to-point wireless apparatus1 when it is installed.

Further, as shown in FIG. 10, the recessed region 115 of the basebandunit 11 may have a shape configured to not interfere with the enclosure121 of the RF unit 12 when the RF unit 12 is either in the firstorientation (for vertical polarization) or in the second orientation(for horizontal polarization). In this way, the orientation of the RFunit 12 can be physically rotated while the orientation of the basebandunit 11 is fixed, and thus polarization of the point-to-point wirelessapparatus 1 can be easily changed.

Moreover, as shown in FIGS. 8 to 11, the receptacle 112 or thereceptacle 113 or both may be disposed on the bottom surface 111D, whichis continuous with the surrounding region 116. In this way, thethickness (D1) of the enclosure 111 in the recessed region 116 can bereduced regardless of the shape of the receptacle 112 or the shape ofthe receptacle 113 or both. It is thus possible to contribute toallowing an increase in the depth of the recessed region 115.

In the structure example shown in FIGS. 8 to 11, the position of theheat-dissipation fins 114 is changed from the configuration exampleshown in FIGS. 2 to 7. To be more specific, the heat-dissipation fins114 are disposed on the rear surface 111B of the enclosure 111 in theconfiguration example shown in FIGS. 8 to 11 and not on the frontsurface 111A as in the configuration example shown in FIGS. 2 to 7. Asshown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the heat-dissipation fins 114 are disposed onat least a region 118. The region 118, which is a part of the rearsurface 111B of the enclosure 111, is positioned between the recessedregion 115 and the top surface 111C of the enclosure 111. Such aposition of the heat-dissipation fins 114 contributes not only toimproving the appearance of the point-to-point wireless apparatus 1 butalso to reducing the volume of the point-to-point wireless apparatus 1when it is installed.

In the structure example shown in FIGS. 8 to 11, the position of thegrip 117 is changed from the configuration example shown in FIGS. 2 to7. To be more specific, the grip 117 is provided on the rear surface 116of the enclosure 111 in such a way that the grip 117 cannot be seen in afront view of the enclosure 111. Such a position of the grip 117contributes not only to improving the appearance of the point-to-pointwireless apparatus 1 but also to reducing the volume of thepoint-to-point wireless apparatus 1 when it is installed.

The above embodiments are merely examples of applications of thetechnical ideas obtained by the present inventor. These technical ideasare not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments, and the aboveembodiments may be modified in various ways.

The present application is based upon and claims the benefit of priorityfrom Japanese Patent Application No. 2014-028298, filed on Feb. 18,2014, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST

-   1 POINT-TO-POINT WIRELESS APPARATUS-   11 BASEBAND UNIT-   12 RF UNIT-   13 ANTENNA-   14 MOUNTING BASE-   15 ANTENNA BRACKET-   50 STRUCTURE-   111 ENCLOSURE-   111A FRONT SURFACE-   111B REAR SURFACE-   111C TOP SURFACE-   111D BOTTOM SURFACE-   112 RECEPTACLE-   113 RECEPTACLE-   114 HEAT-DISSIPATION FINS-   115 RECESSED REGION-   117 GRIP (HANDLE)-   121 ENCLOSURE-   122 RECEPTACLE-   123 WAVEGUIDE FLANGE-   131 FRONT PART-   132 BACK PART-   133 WAVEGUIDE FLANGE-   141 MOUNTING PLATE-   142 UPPER STAY MEMBER-   143 LOWER STAY MEMBER-   144 OPENING-   116 GRIP-   1111 BASEBAND PROCESSOR-   1112 DA CONVERTER-   1113 AD CONVERTER-   1114 CONTROLLER-   1211 TX-RF-   1212 RX-RF-   1213 DUPLEXER

1. A wireless communication apparatus for point-to-point wirelesscommunication, the wireless communication apparatus comprising: a firstoutdoor enclosure configured to accommodate a first electronic circuitmodule for performing digital baseband signal processing; a secondoutdoor enclosure configured to accommodate a second electronic circuitmodule for performing RF (Radio Frequency) signal processing; and afirst mounting bracket comprising a plate, a first stay member risingfrom one end of the plate, and a second stay member rising from theother end of the plate, wherein the first outdoor enclosure comprises afirst receptacle configured to be connected to an external apparatus viaa first communication cable, a second receptacle configured to beconnected to the second outdoor enclosure via a second communicationcable, and heat-dissipation fins, wherein the first outdoor enclosure isconfigured to protect the first electronic circuit module from ingressof at least one of water or dust, and the second outdoor enclosure isconfigured to protect the second electronic circuit module from ingressof at least one of water or dust, and wherein the first mounting bracketis configured to support the first outdoor enclosure using the firststay member and the second stay member, and to support the secondoutdoor enclosure between the plate and the first outdoor enclosure. 2.The wireless communication apparatus of claim 1, wherein the wirelesscommunication apparatus is configured to be supported to a poll or awall using a second mounting bracket.
 3. The wireless communicationapparatus of claim 2, wherein the first mounting bracket is configuredto support the second mounting bracket.
 4. The wireless communicationapparatus of claim 1, wherein the first outdoor enclosure and the secondoutdoor enclosure each provides a degree of ingress protection of atleast IP66 according to IEC 60529 defined by International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC).
 5. The wireless communication apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein the first outdoor enclosure comprises a handle.
 6. Thewireless communication apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first mountingbracket is configured to support the second outdoor enclosure to theplate.
 7. The wireless communication apparatus of claim 1, wherein thefirst mounting bracket is configured to support the first outdoorenclosure so that the first outdoor enclosure and the second outdoorenclosure are adjacent.
 8. The wireless communication apparatus of claim1, wherein the first mounting bracket is configured to support the firstoutdoor enclosure in a manner such that the first outdoor enclosure isarranged next to the second outdoor enclosure.
 9. The wirelesscommunication apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first mounting bracketis configured to support the first outdoor enclosure with a spacebetween the first outdoor enclosure and the second outdoor enclosure.10. A method of a wireless communication apparatus for point-to-pointwireless communication, the method comprising: connecting a firstoutdoor enclosure to an external apparatus via a first communicationcable; connecting the first outdoor enclosure to a second outdoorenclosure via a second communication cable; supporting, by a firstmounting bracket, the first outdoor enclosure using a first stay memberand a second stay member, the first mounting bracket comprising a plate,the first stay member rising from one end of the plate, and the secondstay member rising from the other end of the plate; and supporting, bythe first mounting bracket, the second outdoor enclosure between theplate and the first outdoor enclosure, wherein the first outdoorenclosure comprises heat-dissipation fins, accommodates a firstelectronic circuit module for performing digital baseband signalprocessing, and protects the first electronic circuit module fromingress of at least one of water or dust, and wherein the second outdoorenclosure accommodates a second electronic circuit module for performingRF (Radio Frequency) signal processing, and protects the secondelectronic circuit module from ingress of at least one of water or dust.11. The method of claim 10, wherein the first mounting bracket supportsthe second outdoor enclosure between the plate and the first outdoorenclosure.
 12. The method of claim 10, further comprising supporting thewireless communication apparatus on a poll or a wall by using a secondmounting bracket.
 13. The method of claim 12, wherein the first mountingbracket supports the second mounting bracket.
 14. The method of claim10, wherein the first mounting bracket supports the second outdoorenclosure to the plate.
 15. The method of claim 10, wherein the firstmounting bracket supports the first outdoor enclosure in a manner suchthat a surface of the first outdoor enclosure faces toward a surface ofthe second outdoor enclosure.
 16. The method of claim 10, wherein thefirst mounting bracket supports the first outdoor enclosure in a mannersuch that the first outdoor enclosure is arranged next to the secondoutdoor enclosure.
 17. The method of claim 10, wherein the firstmounting bracket supports the first outdoor enclosure so that the firstoutdoor enclosure and the second outdoor enclosure are adjacent.